Labor

Background

The labor sector has experienced decreasing political power in recent years. The past generation has been marked by a changing economy, a pattern of deregulation, and decreasing union membership. In 2012, only 11.3 percent of workers belonged to unions compared to 20.1 percent in 1983.

Still, the past couple of election cycles have seen increased campaign contributions by the labor sector.

In the 2012 election cycle, the industry contributed more than $141 million to campaigns and committees, nearly double the almost $76 million contributed in the 2008 election cycle.

The labor sector, which is made up of public sector, transportation, industrial, building trade, and other unions, has historically given more to Democrats than Republicans and the 2012 election cycle was no different -- 91 percent of the industry's contributions went to Democrats while only 9 percent went to Republicans.

Union dollars played a major role in helping to elect President Barack Obama in 2012. He secured more than $519,000 from employees of a collection of labor organizations, which also spent millions on independent ads in support of him.

The National Education Association, the United Auto Workers, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees were the top donors, contributing more than $14.7 million, $13.3 million, and $11.4 million, respectively. The majority of donations from these groups went to outside spending groups.

The labor sector spent just shy of $46 million on lobbying in 2012. While that's less than it spent in 2011, the sector's lobbying efforts generally have been increasing since 1999.

One of labor's top agenda items continues to be the unionization of Wal-Mart. The retail giant has strongly resisted attempts to organize its employees, and both sides are hoping for help among friendly lawmakers in the fight.

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